Startup Introduces Parking Space-saving Robot

Black Friday shoppers at malls in five U.S. states and Puerto Rico found a new perk this year: A fleet of robots ready to seek out and save parking spaces the old fashioned way–by sitting in them.

MyPark, a Miami company, made headlines this weekend when its robots started showing up in spaces. Users contract with the machines via an app and pay $1 to $3 per hour to have their parking spots saved. The robots are deployed to find a space and park in it, and let the customer know via app where their spot is on the property. The company is selling franchises in Latin America, Europe, and the UAE, and says it’s a cost-effective alternative to valet services.